Hiking to Mt. Wilson was my first peak and attempt at completing the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. I took my 17-year-old son with me to complete the challenge together. This was the first ‘serious' hike we've done together. We arrived at Mount Wilson Trail Park at about 7:30 a.m., running on three hours of sleep, nothing in our stomachs, and temperatures creeping into the mid-70s. After stretching and applying sunblock and bug repellent, we officially started the hike at about 7:40 a.m. A couple of miles in, temperatures started to climb into the 80s, and we began to feel the effects of exhaustion. So, we decided to take frequent rest breaks to be safe.
The trail was in good condition, but the bugs and heat sometimes made conditions miserable. The trail is well traveled, consisting of primarily hard-pack dirt, and has decent canopy cover and shade at frequent intervals. The trail wasn't too sandy or rocky, which can wear on your feet and ankles after a while. As for the bugs, applying insect repellant before heading out was a good idea. However, some insects seemed undeterred, and unknowingly setting my daypack down on an ant nest didn't help. I discovered this little fact the hard way, shortly after resuming the hike, after being swarmed and stung by ants. My son helped me swat them off, which was helpful. We also spotted some insects we'd never seen before. One is a bee-like insect with a needle-shaped nose. I'm still researching this one, but I believe it's called a ‘bee fly'? We also encountered a giant, black Southern Pacific rattlesnake lying across the trail. We carefully threw rocks toward the snake, moving it off the trail.
Nevertheless, besides the bugs and rattlesnakes, the heat had to be the worst part of the hike. Temperatures soared into the mid-90s as we got closer to the end, and feelings of heat exhaustion began to set in quickly. We brought about six liters of water with us, which barely helped us make it through to the end.
All things considered, our first hike to Mt. Wilson was a great experience. While the hike was challenging, my son and I spent quality time together and created great memories. For me, this was the best part of the experience. We also learned how to better prepare for our next hiking challenge, such as: Knowing your limits. Hydrating the night before. Getting a good night's sleep. Eating something before starting the hike. Starting early to avoid hot temperatures. Bringing lots of water. Making sure you have sunblock and quality insect repellant. Bringing a first aid kit. Being aware of your surroundings. Watching where you set your pack down – there may be an ant nest!
Another sentiment this experience left me with is appreciation and respect for hikers and hiking. It's not easy getting out there to summit some of these peaks. It takes a lot of physical conditioning, grit, and mental toughness – all great qualities right up my alley.
Looking forward to the next challenge!
Responses
Amazing accomplishment and spending time with your son. Way to go guys!
This is yet still one on my list.